20.04.05 – By James Moore, Photographs by Paul Speak, taken Friday, 7th April: With the boxing world waiting on the edge of their seats for Ricky Hatton’s long awaited world title challenge, “The Hitman” has been diligently preparing for his meeting with arguably the world’s most feared fighter, Kostya Tszyu, during the early morning hours of June 5th in Manchester, England. Without further introductions, www.rickyhitmanhatton presents Ricky, the “Whirlwind of Bad Intent”, from his training base of Billy Graham’s Phoenix Camp gym…
“Hi everybody,
My preparation has been superb. I started training camp a month earlier than normal and I’ve been able to start my weight training earlier as well. My timing and fitness levels are razor sharp already. Also, because I started camp a month earlier, I’m a full 12lbs lighter than I would normally be at this stage of my training. I’m sure the photos show what good shape I’m in with a month and a half to go, hopefully silencing all the crap that has been going around regarding my condition and weight..
“I promise everyone that it will be the best anyone has ever seen me in the ring come June 5th.
“Like Kostya, I never make bold predictions, beat my own drum or disrespect an opponent but believe me I’ve never ever been more confident in winning a fight as I am right now.
“Kostya and the whole world will be shocked to their boots after the fight and I will get the respect that I, and my loyal fans, deserve for being so patient and waiting so long for this chance.
“Bring it on!”
– Ricky Hatton
(Blue Moon)
Footnote from Kerry Kayes, top nutritionist and weight trainer to Ricky Hatton –
“I’ve been training Ricky on weights for a couple of years now and with each fight, he amazes me with his natural strength. Ricky is lifting at this stage what he was two weeks before his last fight against Ray Oliveira.
“To put it into perspective, by May, I would expect that Ricky will be pushing in one leg session the equivalent of FIVE TONS. The man is amazing!”